EP4663360A1

EP4663360A1 - Shaving head

Info

Publication number: EP4663360A1
Application number: EP24181088.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Panagiotis GIANNOPOULOS; Nikolaos Ovvadias
Original assignee: BIC Violex Single Member SA
Current assignee: BIC Violex Single Member SA
Priority date: 2024-06-10
Filing date: 2024-06-10
Publication date: 2025-12-17
Also published as: WO2025256886A1

Abstract

A shaving head comprising a front section having a front edge, a rear section having a rear edge and a pair of side sections extending between the front and the rear sections, one or more cutting elements mounted between the front and the rear sections within a recess of the shaving head. The recess, the front section, the rear section and the side sections define a shaving head surface. The shaving head comprises a first shaving aid portion extending from the recess to the front edge and a second shaving aid portion extending from the recess to the rear edge. The first shaving aid portion and the second shaving aid portion cover at least 50% of the shaving head surface.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a shaving head and a razor comprising the shaving head and a razor handle.

BACKGROUND

Razors are widely used handheld devices for removing unwanted hair from various body parts such as the face, legs, and underarms. Traditional razors typically comprise a shaving head with a blade assembly and a handle. The shaving head usually includes multiple cutting elements (blades) and a guard bar positioned along the front portion of the housing, ahead of the blades. This guard bar typically comprises a series of fins designed to lift and straighten the hair before it is cut. Additionally, conventional razors comprise a lubricating strip including a shaving aid composition which may not be sufficient to provide a comfortable shave by itself (i.e. without the use of an additional shaving aid). Therefore, a challenge with conventional razors is the limited duration of the lubrication provided by these elements. The lubricant wears out relatively quickly, often before the blades become dull. As a result, users may experience inadequate lubrication during shaving, leading to a harsher shaving experience with an increased risk of discomfort, nicks, and cuts.
To address these challenges, there is an ongoing need to develop shaving heads that continuously provide shaving aid to the user's skin throughout the shaving process. These innovations aim to enhance razor glide while minimizing the likelihood of skin irritation, nicks, and cuts.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the disclosure a shaving head is provided. The shaving head comprises a front section having a front edge, a rear section having a rear edge and a pair of side sections extending between the front and the rear section, and one or more cutting elements mounted between the front and the rear sections within a recess of the shaving head. The recess, the front section, the rear section and the side sections define a shaving head surface. The shaving head further comprises a first shaving aid portion extending from the recess to the front edge and a second shaving aid portion extending from the recess to the rear edge. The first and second shaving aid portions cover at least 50% of the shaving head surface. According to this aspect, the provision of a total shaving aid portion covering at least 50% of the total shaving head surface ensures extended durability of the shaving aid, enhances glide during shaving, and reduces the risk of nicks and cuts, ultimately leading to a smoother and more comfortable shaving experience. Moreover, this configuration prolongs the useful life of the shaving head, aligning the shaving aid's longevity with that of the blades' sharpness thereby preventing or at least reducing premature replacement of the entire head.
In embodiments, the side portions may comprise a retaining element that is configured to secure the one or more cutting elements to the shaving head. The first and/or the second shaving aid portion may extend immediately adjacent to the retaining element.
In embodiments, the first and second shaving aid portions may cover between 55-85 % of the shaving head surface.
In embodiments, the first and second shaving aid portions may cover between 70-80 % of the shaving head surface.
In embodiments, at least one of the front section and rear sections may comprise an elongated portion. The elongated portion may extend at least partially or fully between the pair of side portions. An aspect of the elongated portion is that it enhances the stability of the shaving aid portions on the shaving head.
In embodiments, the front portion may comprise an elastomeric member having a plurality of fins.
In embodiments, the elastomeric member may be positioned next to the recess of the shaving head and between the one or more cutting elements and the first shaving aid portion.
In embodiments, the elastomeric member may extend between the retaining elements.
In embodiments, the shaving head may comprise a base having a leading surface positioned at the front section and a trailing surface positioned at the rear section of the shaving head. The first and second shaving aid portions may be injected to the leading and trailing surfaces respectively. The leading and the trailing surfaces may comprise a wall extending substantially perpendicularly from the base. The wall may comprise a front part and a rear part. The cutting elements may comprise a blade having a cutting edge. A distance a1 between the rear part of the wall of the leading surface and the cutting edge of a blade that is adjacent to the wall of the leading surface may be between 1.3-1.5mm.
In embodiments, a distance a2 between the front part of the wall of the trailing surface and the cutting edge of a blade that is adjacent to the wall of the trailing surface may be between 2-2.5mm.
In embodiments, the shaving head may comprise two or more cutting elements. The first shaving aid portion and the second shaving aid portion may define a shaving plane S that may be tangential to the first and second shaving aid portions. At least one or all the cutting edges of the two or more blades of the cutting elements may be positioned below the shaving plane S, at a distance between 0.1-0.2mm. This means that when facing a skin of a user, the cutting edges remain farther away from the skin than the shaving plane S.
In embodiments, the shaving head may comprise five cutting elements. The cutting elements may comprise a blade having a cutting edge. The inter-blade spans (S1, S2, S3, S4) of the cutting edges may be in the range of 0.95mm to 1.2mm.
In embodiments, the shaving head may comprise five cutting elements. A leading inter-blade span (S1) may be different to a trailing inter-blade span (S4). In examples, the leading inter-blade span may be between 1.3-1.5mm and the trailing inter-blade span may be between 1.0-1.2mm.
In embodiments, at least one of the leading surface and the trailing surface may comprise one or more projections extending substantially perpendicularly from the base. The one or more projections may comprise a pair of inclined portions that may be coupled with a rounded portion. The projections enhance positioning of the shaving aid portions so as to be steadily kept within the base, thereby improving the overall structural integrity of the shaving head and thus enhancing shaving experience.
In embodiments, a distance d1 between the midpoints of the rounded portions of a first and second projection may be between 1.8mm and 3.0mm, more specifically between 2.1-2.5mm. According to a second aspect of the disclosure, a razor is provided, the razor comprises the shaving head substantially as hereinbefore described and a handle that is coupled to the shaving head.
Additional objects, details and features of embodiments are described in reference to the drawings as follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other characteristics will be apparent from the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this disclosure. The drawings are intended to further explain the present disclosure and to enable a person skilled in the art to practice it. However, the drawings are intended as non-limiting examples. Common reference numerals on different figures indicate like or similar features.

Fig. 1 is a top view of a shaving head including first and second shaving aid portions;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the back portion of the shaving head;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the shaving head without the shaving aid portions;
Figures 4A, 4B are cross sectional views of the shaving cartridge with and without the shaving aid portions respectively;
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a razor handle that is suitable to be coupled with the shaving head;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the shaving head will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings as follows:
Fig. 1 shows a shaving head 10 comprising a front section 11 having a front edge 11a, a rear section 12 having a rear edge 12a and a pair of side sections 13 extending between the front and the rear sections. One or more cutting elements 20 are mounted within a recess of the shaving head 10, positioned between the front and the rear sections. The front section 11, the rear section 12, the side sections 13 and the recess define a shaving head surface. The shaving head 10 further comprises a first shaving aid portion 14 and a second shaving aid portion 15, mounted at the front section 11 and rear section 12 respectively. The first and second shaving aid portions cover at least 50% of the entire shaving head surface. Fig. 1 depicts a shaving head 10 having five cutting elements 20. However, different quantities of cutting elements 20 may be considered within the scope of this disclosure. During use, the cutting elements 20 are drawn across the user's skin in a shaving direction denoted as D.
In examples, the cutting elements 20 may comprise a blade support and a blade. The blade may be mounted on an outer surface of the blade support as shown for example in figures 4A, 4B, i.e. on a surface that in use faces the skin. In examples, the blade may be mounted on an inner surface of the blade support (not shown) or in a surface that in uses faces away from the skin. In examples, the cutting elements 20 may be not homogeneous. In other words, at least one of the cutting elements 20 may have a different design when compared to the other cutting elements 20. In an example, one cutting element may comprise a blade that is mounted on an outer surface of the blade support while another cutting element comprises a blade that is mounted on an inner surface of the blade support. Other types of cutting elements 20 may be contemplated, for example, bent cutting elements 20 where the cutting element is made as a single component comprising a bent portion and a cutting portion. Once mounted on the shaving head, the cutting elements 20 may be allowed to a certain degree of movement within the shaving head 10 during use (movable cutting elements 20) or they may be fixed within the shaving head 10 (fixed cutting elements 20).
In examples, the side sections 13 may comprise a retaining element also typically known as 16 that may be configured to secure the one or more cutting elements 20 to the shaving head 10. In examples, each of the side sections 13 may comprise a retainer. The retainers 16 may be spaced apart and positioned on opposite sides of the saving head. The shaving aid portions 14, 15, either the first or the second or both, may be positioned immediately adjacent to the retaining elements 16 of the side sections 13, thus exploiting significant part of the available shaving head surface to provide lubricity to a user. The retainers 16 may extend along the side sections 13 of the shaving head 10 and may comprise a top portion that extends over a top surface of the shaving head 10 and above the cutting elements 20, to retain the cutting elements 20 within the shaving head 10. In examples, the retainers 16 may extend along a length L of the side sections 13 of e.g. about 8-9mm. However, it should be understood that the retainers 16 may extend along a shorter or longer portion of the side sections 13. This way and depending on the length L, the retainers may secure in place also other components of the shaving head 10 such as but not limited to, a guard bar, a cap element or trimmer assembly. Further, while the examples shown in figures 1-5 illustrate a pair of retainers, other numbers of retainers 16 may be used, for example a single retainer, or three or more retainers may be foreseen to retain the position of the blades within the housing.
The front section 11, the rear section 12, the recess for accommodating the cutting elements 20 and the pair of the side sections 13 with the retainers 16 may define a total shaving head surface. In examples, the shaving head surface may be of about 800-1000mm2, specifically 850-950 mm2. The first and second shaving aid portions are designed such that they cover at least 50% of the entire shaving head surface, thereby providing sufficient and durable shaving aid to the user. In examples, the shaving aid portions may cover 55-85% of the total shaving head surface and more specifically 70-80% of the shaving head surface. This configuration ensures extended durability of the shaving aid, enhances glide during shaving, and reduces the risk of nicks and cuts, ultimately leading to a smoother and more comfortable shaving experience. Importantly, this design prolongs the useful life of the shaving head 10 by aligning the shaving aid's longevity with that of the blades, preventing premature replacement of the entire head.
In examples, the first and/or the second shaving aid portions 14,15 may be positioned immediately adjacent to the retainer 16. This positioning maximizes the area of the shaving head 10 covered by the shaving aid, enhancing glide and providing a more pleasant experience for the user thereby improving overall shaving performance.
In examples, the shaving aid portions may comprise a lubricating element. During use, the lubricating element may deposit a lubricant and active ingredient on the skin of a user to improve glideness when shaving. The lubricating element may comprise water-soluble and/or water-insoluble components, additives, active ingredients and/or their combination. Examples of water insoluble components are polystyrene, styrene co-polymers, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyacetal, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, ethylene vinyl acetal copolymer, polylactic acid, polycarbonate, maleic anhydride ethylene co-polymer blends, polyether-containing block copolymers (e.g. with polyamide), blends and copolymers of the above with or without other additives. Examples of water-soluble lubricating components are polyethylene oxide and/or polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylamide, polyhydroxymethacrylate, polyvinyl imidazoline, polyvinyl alcohol, polyhydromethymethacrylate, silicone polymers, blends and copolymers of the above.
In embodiments, the lubricating element may consist of 100% - 10% of water insoluble component, and/or 90% - 0% water soluble component, and/or 15% - 0% of other ingredients selected in the group of plasticizers, such as low molecular weight polyethylene glycols, water-swellable release enhancing agents, such as cross-linked polyacrylics and/or maleic anhydride compounds, additives, such as antioxidants, pH-adjusters, rheology modifiers, additional lubricants, compatibilizers, surfactants, and/or skin care agent selected in the group consisting of vitamins, botanical extracts, salts, humectants, fragrances, essential oils, silicon oils, organic oils, waxes, antioxidants, exfoliants, depilatory agents, surfactants, hair and skin conditioning agents, anti-bacterial agents, anti-microbial, anti-irritants, antiseptics, biocides, preservatives, skin cooling and soothing agents, moisturizing and hydrating agents, skin protectants, colorants, film formers, processing thickening agents from the list of silica, fume silica, TiO2 particles, and combinations thereof.
In examples the shaving aid portions may comprise soap bar compositions that may comprise the following: a soap base with at least one fatty acid salt or a fatty acid, at least one polyol, a blend of surfactants, water, butters, oils, silicone, wax, conditioning and moisturizing agents, clay, a bulking agent, opacifying agents, chelating agent, a fragrance, a sugar or sugar derivative, colorants, pH adjusters, extracts, vitamins, soothing ingredients, antibacterial agents, antimicrobial agents, antiseptic agents, film formers, anti-inflammatory agents, cooling agents, nourishing agents, emollients, brightening agents, exfoliating agents, skin-barrier repair agents, anti-aging agents and other cosmetic active ingredients . The fatty acid salt or fatty acid may be comprised of 8-24 carbon atoms in a total content of 15-45%. The polyol may be comprised of 2 to 8 atoms in total content of 10-75% by weight. The surfactants may be anionic, non-ionic, zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactants with a total content of 0.5-20% by weight. The water may have a total content of 15-50% by weight. The rest may be comprised of butters, oils, silicones, waxes, clays, bulking agents, opacifiers, chelating agents, sugar or sugar derivative, conditioning and moisturizing agents, fragrance, colorants, pH adjusters, extracts, vitamins, soothing ingredients, antibacterial agents, antimicrobial agents, antiseptic agents, soothing agents, film formers, anti-inflammatory agents, cooling agents, nourishing agents, emollients, brightening agents, exfoliating agents, repairing agents, skin-barrier repair agents, anti-aging ingredients and other cosmetic active ingredients.
In examples, the shaving aid portions may comprise conditioning bar compositions that may comprise at least one wax, a cationic surfactant, a non-ionic surfactant, water, oils, butters, one or more preservatives, a fragrance and one or more antioxidant agents, conditioning and moisturizing agents, colorants, a bulking agent, a chelating agent, a fragrance, colorants, pH adjusters, extracts, vitamins, soothing ingredients, antibacterial agents, antimicrobial agents, antiseptic agents, film formers, anti-inflammatory agents, cooling agents, nourishing agents, emollients, brightening agents, exfoliating agents, skin-barrier repair agents, anti-aging agents and other cosmetic active ingredients. The wax may be chosen from ester waxes and/or hydroxylated waxes wherein the content of the at least one hydrocarbonated wax is comprised between 40% to 85% by weight. The cationic surfactant may comprise a quaternary ammonium salt between 10-20% by weight. The rest 3.5-30% by weight may be comprised of non-ionic surfactants, water, oils, butters, preservatives, silicones, fragrances, antioxidants, conditioning and moisturizing agents, colorants, bulking agent, chelating agent, fragrance, colorants, pH adjusters, extracts, vitamins, soothing ingredients, antibacterial agents, antimicrobial agents, antiseptic agents, film formers, anti-inflammatory agents, cooling agents, nourishing agents, emollients, brightening agents, exfoliating agents, skin-barrier repair agents, anti-aging ingredients and other cosmetic active ingredients.
In examples, at least one of the front section 11 and rear section 12 may comprise an elongated portion 17. The elongated portion 17 may be made e.g. of plastic. The elongated portion 17 may extend at least partially or fully between the pair of side sections 13. The elongated portions may contribute to the stability of the shaving aid portions on the shaving head. In examples, the elongated portions may be substantially flat and plain without any elements projecting from the elongated portions, such e.g. as fins, bumps etc. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the elongated portions 17 serve as a barrier adjacent to each shaving aid portion 14, 15, positioned between the nearest cutting element 20 and the shaving aid portion 14, 15. This arrangement facilitates the proper injection and positioning of the shaving aid onto the shaving head. In examples, both rear and front sections 11 may comprise the elongated portion 17 which may fully extend between the side sections 13 or in other examples, may partially extend between the side sections 13, depending on the manufacturing requirements and the desired coverage of the shaving aid portions 14, 15.
In examples, the front section 11 may comprise an elastomeric member (not shown), also known as guard bar, that may have a plurality of fins. The elastomeric member may be positioned next to the recess of the shaving head and between the one or more cutting elements 20 and the first shaving aid portion 14 of the front section 11 of the shaving head 10. In examples, the elastomeric member may fully extend between the retaining elements 16 of the side sections 13 of the shaving head 10.
In use, the elastomeric member is the first element of the shaving head 10 to contact and stretch the uncut hairs. The elastomeric member may thus be used to stimulate and tension the skin prior to cutting, to improve comfort while also properly positioning the skin for the cutting of the hair. The elastomeric member may comprise one or more fins extending longitudinally in parallel to the elastomeric member and extending substantially perpendicularly to the shaving direction. The fins may enhance engagement, alignment and extension of the hair as well as for the treatment of the skin during shaving.
In examples, the shaving head 10 may comprise two or more cutting elements 20. The example as shown in figures 1-5 shows a shaving head 10 having five cutting elements 20. The cutting elements 20 comprise a blade having a cutting edge and a blade support. The blade is mounted to the support.
In examples, the shaving head 10 may comprise a base 30 having a leading surface 31 positioned at the front section 11 of the shaving head 10, ahead of the cutting elements 20 during shaving, and a trailing surface 32 located at the rear section 12 of the shaving head 10, behind the cutting elements 20 during shaving. The respective first and second shaving aid portions may be injected directly onto the leading and trailing surfaces. Both the leading and the trailing surfaces of the base 30 may include a wall 33 extending substantially vertically from the base 30. Each wall 33 of the leading and trailing surfaces may comprise a front part 33a adjacent to the cutting elements 20 and a rear part 33b that is the furthest to the cutting elements 20. The first and second shaving aid portions may be injected onto the leading and trailing surface of the base 30, respectively, such that they contact the rear part 33b of the wall 33 of the leading and trailing surface respectively. In examples, the height t1 of the front part 33a and the rear part 33b of the wall 33 of the leading surface 31 may be equal, while in other examples these heights may differ, such as having a taller front part of the wall or vice versa. In examples, the height of the front 33a and the rear part wall 33b of the leading surface may be between 1.6 mm and 2.6 mm, more specifically of about 2.4mm. In examples, the height t2 of the front part 33a of the wall and the rear part 33b of the wall 33 of the trailing surface 32 may be equal, while in other examples these heights may differ, such as having a taller front wall or vice versa. In examples, the height of the front and the rear part wall of the trailing surface 32 may be between 1.6 mm and 2.6 mm, more specifically of about 2.4mm.
In examples, at least one of the leading surface and the trailing surface 31, 32 may comprise one or more projections 40 extending substantially perpendicularly from the base 30. In examples, the leading and the trailing surfaces may comprise two or more projections 40. The projections may comprise a pair of inclined portions 40a, relative to the base 30, that may be coupled with a rounded portion 40b having a radius of curvature R1 in the range of 0.15 and 0.30 degrees, more specifically of about 0.25 degrees. In examples, and as shown in figures 4A-4B, a first projection that is closer to the wall 33 that extends substantially perpendicular from the base 30 has a width w1 that is in the range of 0.8mm and 1.2 mm, more specifically 1.1mm and a height h1 that is between 1.0 and 1.4 mm, more specifically of about 1.2mm. A second projection, that is furthest to the wall 33 when compared to the first projection 40 may have a width w2 that is in the range of 0.7mm and 1.1 mm, more specifically of about 1.0mm and a height h2 that is between 0.75mm and 0.95mm, more specifically of about 0.9mm. In examples, a third projection that is furthest to the wall when compared to the first and second projections has a width w3 that is in the range of 0.3mm and 0.7 mm, more specifically 0.4mm and a height h3 that is in the range of 0.2mm and 0.6mm, more specifically 0.25mm. The heights h1, h2, h3 are measured from the base 30 to the highest point of the rounded portion 40b of the projection as it is shown in figures 4A-4B. The heights h1, h2, h3 may overall comply with the formula h1>h2>h3. In examples, a distance d1 may be defined as the distance between the midpoints of the rounded portions of the first and second projections. The distance d1 may be between 1.8mm and 3.0mm, more specifically of about 2.2mm. Respectively, a distance d2 between a second and a third projection may be between 1.5mm and 2.1mm, more specifically of about 1.7mm. The projections 40 allow the shaving aid portions to be steadily kept within the base 30 thereby improving the overall structural integrity of the shaving head 10.
In examples, the height of the front part 33a of the wall 33 and the rear part 33b of the wall of the trailing surface 32 may be equal, while in other examples these heights may differ, such as having a taller front wall or vice versa.
A shaving plane S may be defined as a tangential line intersecting the highest points of the walls of the trailing and the leading surface of the base 30. In examples, a distance a1 between the rear part 33b of the wall 33 of the leading surface 31 of the base 30 and the cutting edge of a blade 22 that is adjacent to this wall 33 may be between 1-2mm, in particular 1.3-1.5mm, thus preventing the clogging of the cut hair and of the other debris during shaving. In examples, a distance a2 between the front part of the wall of the trailing surface 32 of the base 30 and the cutting edge of a blade 22 that may be adjacent to this wall 33 is between 2-2.5mm, specifically 2.4 mm.
With respect to the shaving plane S, a cutting edge can be defined as having positive, negative, or neutral exposure. The exposure is a measure of how prominently the cutting edge of a blade protrudes above or sinks below the shaving plane S, i.e. how closer or farther away from a skin of the user than the shaving plane S the cutting edge is, when the shaving head is ready to be used. A cutting edge exhibits negative exposure if it is positioned neither exactly nor above the shaving plane S, i.e when it is farther away from the skin to be shaved than the shaving plane S. Conversely, a cutting edge has neutral exposure if it is aligned precisely with the shaving plane, in other words if the cutting edge is right on the shaving plane S. A cutting edge displays positive exposure if it is situated above the shaving plane, i.e. closer from the skin to be shaved than the shaving plane S. In examples, at least one or all the cutting edges of the two or more blades may be positioned below the shaving plane S, at a distance between 0.1-0.2mm, more specifically of about 0.150mm. This configuration provides smoother shaving, further mitigating the risk of undesired nicks and cuts.
In examples, the blades 22 of the cutting elements 20 may be disposed within the recess so as to define a plurality of inter-blade spans (S1, S2, S3, S4) between the cutting edges of the blades. As inter-blade span is defined the distance, the span, between two consecutive cutting edges of the blades 22.
In examples, the shaving head 10 may comprise four or more cutting elements 20. A leading inter-blade span is defined as the span that is closer to the front section 11 of the shaving head 10. A trailing inter-blade span is defined as the span that is closer to the rear section 12 of the shaving head 10. An intermediate inter blade span (S2, S3) is defined as a span that is between the leading and the trailing inter-blade spans. In examples, the various inter-blade spans (S1, S2, S3, S4) may be constant, specifically between 0.95mm to 1.2mm, more specifically of about 1.05mm. The constant inter-blade span may be applied independently of the number of blades. In other examples, the inter-blade spans (S1, S2, S3, S4) may be variable. For example, the leading inter-blade span S1 that is closer to the front section 11 of the shaving head 10 may be greater than a training inter-blade span |S4 that is closer to the rear section 12 of the shaving head 10. The leading inter-blade span S1 may be of about 1.3-1.5mm while the trailing inter-blade span S4 of about 1.0-1.2mm. For the embodiment of a shaving head 10 having five cutting elements 20, a first intermediate span S2 that is closer to the front section 11 of the shaving may be substantially equal to the leading inter- blade span S1. A second intermediate span S3 that is closer to the rear section 12 of the shaving head 10 may be substantially equal to the trailing inter-blade span S4. In still further examples, combinations of variable and equal spans may be foreseen.
According to a second aspect of the disclosure, a razor is provided. The razor comprises the shaving head 10 substantially as hereinbefore described and a razor handle 50. The razor handle 50 may extend between a distal end 51 and a proximal end 52. In examples, the handle 50 may be provided with a handle grip that may be formed by rubber, or rubber like material to improve gripping friction.
The handle 50 may be re-used by changing the shaving head 10. In that case, the handle may comprise an actuation mechanism, for example a button, which when actuated releases the shaving head 10 from the distal end 51 of the handle. Alternatively, the shaving head 10 may be fixedly attached to the handle via a pivotable or non-pivotable connection. In examples, the shaving head 10 may pivot relative to the handle, thus enabling the user to adapt to the contours of the body.
The distal end 51 may be considered as the end which, in use, is proximate and connected to the back portion of the shaving head 10. The distal end 51 may comprise a pivotable bearing mechanism 53 that may have a pair of arc shaped bearings configured to be coupled with respective camming surfaces 54 of the back portion of the shaving head 10.
Although only a number of particular embodiments and examples have been disclosed herein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other alternatives, obvious modifications and/or equivalents thereof are possible. Furthermore, the present disclosure aims to cover all possible combinations of the particular embodiments described. Reference signs related to drawings and placed in parentheses in a claim, are solely for attempting to increase the intelligibility of the claim and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claim. The scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by particular embodiments but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.

Claims

A shaving head (10) comprising: a front section (11) having a front edge (11a), a rear section (12) having a rear edge (12a) and a pair of side sections (13) extending between the front and the rear sections , one or more cutting elements (20) mounted between the front and the rear sections within a recess of the shaving head (10), wherein the recess, the front section (11), the rear section (12) and the side sections (13) define a shaving head surface, wherein the shaving head (10) comprises a first shaving aid portion (14) extending from the recess to the front edge (11a) and a second shaving aid portion (15) extending from the recess to the rear edge (12b), wherein the first shaving aid portion (14) and the second shaving aid portion (15) cover at least 50% of the shaving head surface.
The shaving head (10) of claim 1, wherein the side portions (13) comprise a retaining element (16) that is configured to secure the one or more cutting elements (20) to the shaving head (10), wherein the first and/or the second shaving aid portions (14, 15) extend immediately adjacent to the retaining element (16).
The shaving head (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second shaving aid portions (14, 15) cover between 55-85 % of the shaving head (10) surface, more specifically between 70-80%.
The shaving head (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the front and rear sections (11, 12) comprises an elongated portion (17), wherein the elongated portion (17) extends at least partially or fully between the pair of side portions (13).
The shaving head (10) according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the front portion (11) comprises an elastomeric member having a plurality of fins.
The shaving head (10) according to claim 6, wherein the elastomeric member is positioned next to the recess of the shaving head and between the one or more cutting elements (20) and the first shaving aid portion (14).
The shaving head (10) according to any of claims 5-6, wherein the elastomeric member extends between the retaining elements (16).
The shaving head (10) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a base (30) having a leading surface (31) positioned at the front section (11) and a trailing surface (32) positioned at the rear section (12) of the shaving head (10), wherein the first and second shaving aid portion (14, 15) are injected directly onto the leading and trailing surfaces (31, 32) respectively, wherein the leading and the trailing surfaces (31, 32) comprise a wall (33) extending substantially perpendicularly from the base (30), wherein the wall (33) comprises a front part (33a) and a rear part (33b), wherein the cutting elements (20) comprise a blade (22) having a cutting edge, wherein a distance (a1) between the rear part (33b) of the wall (33) of the leading surface (31) and the cutting edge of a blade that is adjacent to the wall (33) of the leading surface (31) is between 1.3-1.5mm.
The shaving head (10) according to claim 9, wherein a distance (a2) between the front part (33a) of the wall (33) of the trailing surface (32) and the cutting edge of a blade that is adjacent to the wall (33) of the trailing surface (32) is between 2-2.5mm.
The shaving head (10) according to any of claims 8-9, further comprising two or more cutting elements (20), wherein the first shaving aid portion (14) and the second shaving aid portion (15) define a shaving plane S that is tangential to the first and second shaving aid portions (14,15), wherein at least one or all the cutting edges of the blades (22) of the two or more cutting elements (20) have an exposure that is negative, more specifically between -100µm to -200µm, with respect to the shaving plane S.
The shaving head (10) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising five cutting elements (20), wherein one or more cutting elements (20) comprise a blade (22) having a cutting edge, wherein inter-blade spans (S1, S2, S3, S4) of the cutting edges are in the range of 0.95mm to 1.2mm.
The shaving head (10) according to any of claims 1-10, comprising five cutting elements (20), wherein a leading inter-blade span (S1) is different to a trailing inter-blade span (S4), in particular, wherein the leading inter-blade span is between 1.3-1.5mm and the trailing inter-blade span is between 1.0-1.2mm.
The shaving head (10) according to any of claims 8-12 wherein at least one of the leading and the trailing surfaces (31, 32) comprises one or more projections (40) extending substantially perpendicularly from the base (30), wherein the one or more projections (40) comprise a pair of inclined portions (40a) that are coupled with a rounded portion (40b).
The shaving head (10) according to claim 13, wherein a distance (d1) between midpoints of the rounded portions (40b) of a first and second projection (40), wherein the distance (d1) is between 1.8mm and 3.0mm.
A razor comprising:
- the shaving head (10) according to any of claims 1-14, and

- a handle (50) that is coupled to the shaving head (10).